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Revels: Fanfare for the Uncommon Orchestra

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According to Webster's dictionary the definition of revel is to make merry or to be noisily festive.

Revels: Fanfare for the Uncommon Orchestra is a festive fanfare in three part ABA form. That is, it consists of three approximately equal sections in length, the first and third being very nearly the same. The work begins with a strong, rhythmical fanfare first for the brass and timpani and soon including the woodwinds and brass. The middle section begins with the low strings on a soft, pizzicato line which is soon joined by a pulsating and insistent viola line. Over the top of this the upper strings enter with a slow, lyrical section. As the middle section grows stronger the upper woodwinds enter with a fast, whimsical melody followed by the brass with a strong, rhythmic statement. All of these sections pile up on top of each other one by one until Revels is truely noisily festive. The timpani signals a return to the opening fanfare and the piece ends in a flurry of woodwinds and strings and a blaze of brass.

Revels is written for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, contra bassoon, four French horns, two trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, and strings. It is sub-titled 'Fanfare for the Uncommon Orchestra' because the technical requirements on the players are quite demanding. Many of the players reach the extreme edge of their playing range and almost all of the players are required to exhibit a high level of technical dexterity.

The first performance of Revels was by the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, David Katz conducting, in Dawson Auditorium at Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan, on October 9, 1993. Revels was selected for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra's first CD recording, released for Christmas, 1998.

Duration: 7 1/2 minutes. The score and parts (printed with Finale) are available for performance. For further information contact the composer below.